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Delayed Complications after Placement of Self-Expanding Stents in Malignant Esophageal Obstruction: Treatment Strategies and Survival Rate

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Abstract

Purpose

Placement of self-expanding metal stents is regarded as a safe and effective treatment in patients with incurable malignant esophagogastric obstruction. However, proceeding and possible benefit of re-interventions in patients with recurrent dysphagia due to delayed complications (>4 weeks after stent insertion) is unclear.

Patients and methods

In 133 patients with malignant stricture of the esophagus or the esophagogastric junction 164 expandable metal stents were placed. About 89 patients were followed up until death. All tumor- or stent-related complications and consequent re-interventions were recorded.

Results

The overall incidence of delayed complications was 53.4% (71 of 133 pts.), with 34 patients (25.6%) experiencing more than one complication. Recurrent dysphagia due to tumor ingrowth (22%) or overgrowth (15%), bolus obstruction (21%), stent migration (9%), and development of esophagorespiratory fistula (9%) was successfully treated by dilatation (24%), placement of a second/third stent (27%), laser therapy (16%), and/or placement of a feeding tube (PEG, 19%). The median survival of patients with endoscopic therapy was significantly longer (222 ± 26 days) compared to patients without re-intervention (86 ± 14 days, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Delayed complications after metal stent placement for malignant esophageal stricture are common, but can be treated successfully by endoscopic re-intervention in most cases. Regular interventional therapy may also improve survival.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology, University Clinics of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany

    Nils Homann, Maria R. Noftz, Rolf D. Klingenberg-Noftz & Diether Ludwig

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  1. Nils Homann
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  2. Maria R. Noftz
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  3. Rolf D. Klingenberg-Noftz
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  4. Diether Ludwig
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Correspondence to Diether Ludwig.

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Homann, N., Noftz, M.R., Klingenberg-Noftz, R.D. et al. Delayed Complications after Placement of Self-Expanding Stents in Malignant Esophageal Obstruction: Treatment Strategies and Survival Rate. Dig Dis Sci 53, 334–340 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9862-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9862-9

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